David G. Kilp

David George Kilp, formerly of Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2023. David was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on April 14, 1943. He was the son of Margaret and George Kilp (both deceased). David graduated from Assumption high school of Wisconsin Rapids in 1961, and ultimately went on to college at the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, where he graduated with a bachelor of science degree in 1968. While attending college, David became a member of the Siasefi Organization on campus. This group of extraordinary men became a crucial part of David’s heart and soul through all the remaining years of his life. David was born at least 100 years too late. He truly was a modern-day mountain man, the likes of Jeremiah Johnson, as he lived to be free, independent, and self-sufficient in the out of doors. David was avid and enthusiastic in everything he did, especially when it came to hunting, trapping, fishing, and living life to the fullest in the woods. His walls were filled with his trophies such as, record quality whitetails, mule deer, antelope, moose, elk, caribou, and bear. Coyote, fox, bobcat, beaver, fisher, otter, and mink all fell prey to his trap lines. David was truly at home in the wilderness from the old days of hunting within the old Nekoosa Edwards “gates”, to his trips to Alaska with its vast forests and streams. David founded AA Power Washing in Arbor Vitae where he made his living power washing and painting homes and decks here in the Northwoods. David was never a materialist, he had everything he needed as long as it pertain to the outdoors. He was at home in a tent by a campfire as he was in his own bedroom. If you were David’s friend, you were indeed blessed. He would do anything he could for those he cared about. A more giving person would be very hard to find. Yet, as in the old Frank Sinatra song, he did it all “his way”! It was David’s time to pass, he had lived life to the fullest. However, for the past 2.5 years, he lived at Copperleaf Memory Care Center in Schofield, were the caring staff, lovingly met all his needs. David suffered from an ever increasing, yet losing battle, with dementia. In spite of his condition, he was a favorite with the staff and wore a big smile as his body gradually gave out. David will always be remembered for his larger than life physical presence, and huge heart to those around him. He was always ready to regale a group with exciting stories and tails around our modern-day campfires! He will be sorely missed. RIP David. Services will be arranged at a later date, which will be updated though the funeral home.

David G. Kilp

April 14, 1943 - January 6, 2023